As Shadow Minister Culture, Youth and Sport, I wish to totally condemn, on my behalf and that of the Opposition, the decision by the Ministry of Education to disqualify 8-year-old Ezeka Minty from the Mashramani Calypso Competition.
The situation definitely is a violation of the child’s rights, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The rights to rest, play, and participate in cultural and creative activities are indeed essential for a child’s well-being.
The rules set for the competition, like the guidelines regarding the content of the calypso and the topics it can be based on, are meant to ensure fair and respectful participation for all children involved. It’s concerning to hear that despite the child meeting all the necessary criteria and winning at the regional level, she was disqualified at the national level.
The allegations of dishonesty and political influence are troubling, and it’s important for such competitions to uphold fairness and integrity. It is important that the government should address this issue to ensure that this child and every other child receive fair opportunities and caring and thoughtful treatment, especially considering their hard work, dedication, and tender age.
It’s crucial to support and encourage children’s participation in cultural and creative activities, and it’s disheartening to hear when such opportunities are hindered unfairly and politicised. I hope the situation can be resolved in a just and fair manner to ensure there is no repeat of such unprincipled and heartless practices.
